Kshatriya

ETHNONYMS: none

The Kshatriyas are a large block of Hindu castes, mainly located in the
northern half of India. The Sanskrit term Kshatrā means
"warrior, ruler," and identifies the second
varna,
ranking immediately below the Brahmans. No doubt, most of the many castes
that claim to be Kshatriya are somehow descended from warriors who were in
the service of princes and rulers or who were of royal families.
Conversely, numerous rulers have legitimized their status, especially if
usurpers, by claiming that their lineage was indeed Kshatriya. Most
typical and best known of these groups are the Rajputs, who once formed
the many princely houses of Rajasthan (former Rajputana) and neighboring
areas. Of course, today most Kshatriyas are landowners or follow urban
professions.

Although they rank high in the varna system, Kshatriyas may and commonly
do eat meat (though never beef), and many also take alcoholic drinks; both
of these characteristics set them apart from the Brahmans.

It is perhaps no mere coincidence that Mahavira and Gautama, the founders
of Jainism and Buddhism respectively, were of this social category. It can
be argued that their spiritual voyages in the sixth century
B
.
C
. were both prompted by reaction to the excessive ritualism that marked
the Vedic sacrifice of the
purohita
(priests). Some centuries later there was a general understanding that
Kshatriyas would abstain from wordly pleasures while they fought to
protect the polity and the Brahmans' place in it. But in
fact—if Rajput history can be taken as a guide—Kshatriya
warriors when not actually on the battlefield surrounded themselves with
luxurious palaces, multiple wives and concubines, fine horses and falcons,
and all the pleasures of eating cooked meats.

Bibliography

Tod, James (1829-32).
Annals and Antiquities of Rajasthan, or the Central and Western Rajpoot
States of India.
Rev. ed., edited by William Crooke. 1920. London: Oxford University
Press. Numerous reprints.

Hi my name is Georgia and i just want to say thank-you so much for the info i really needed it i have to do an presontation on kshatrya the caste system i really needed it so i just want to say thanks for all the help YES i do repeat the words lots but u know i really love this website and it has go info So THANKS again :)(:

There is an excellent history book documented Sahdev Vohra called "Punjab Then and Now" that describes first hand events on the subject. "50 years of Pakistan" is another book by same author, also a reliable resource.

What a great information site about the Kshatriyas! I had to use this information for my social studies class in sixth grade. I would definitely reccomend it to others looking for information about this Indian tribe.

I find difficulty in understanding the dichotomy of a warrior caste, whose profession presumably is fighting and maiming others, and finding themselves as royalty classed only below the Brahmins. No disrespect, but Please help me understand this apparent antithesis, which is puzzling in a society based on karma. Do not quote Mahabharata.

Kshatriyas are also known as religious warriors, they just don't fight and maim others, there are codes that determines there duty toward religion and those who are weak or innocent . In the period when Kshatriya ruled the country India was also known as "bird of gold".